Clasp or connecter for watch



June 25, 1935. s. A. JOHNSON 2,006,047

CLASP OR CONNECTER FOR WATCH BRACELETS AND THE LIKE Filed oct. 24, 1955 @Mza /ZLZZJAM .5:

Patented June 25, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLASP R CONNECTER FOR. WATCH BRACELETS AND THE LIKE Sylvester A. Johnson, North Providence, R. I.,

assignor to A and Z Chain Company, Provi- 13 Claims.

This invention relates to buckles, clasps and like devices for securing the ends of wrist-watch straps, bands, bracelets and similar articles; and more particularly to devicesl of the type indicated wherein means are provided for accurately adjusting the length of the strap or band to fit the wrist of the wearer.

One object of the invention is to provide a clasp or fastening device of the type indicated having means slidable in telescoping relationship to adjust the length of the strap, band or bracelet to fit the wrist.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the type indicated having improved clutching means operative to maintain the slidable elements in adjusted relationship.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the type indicated wherein the adjustment is maintained fixed when the clasp is unclasped or unfolded, whereby the band or bracelet may be removed from and replaced on the wrist Without necessitating readjustment olf the parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide clutching means for the adjusting elements which are adapted for use with different types of clasping devices, either those having one end of the band or bracelet detachably held thereby, or of the extendible type comprising a number of foldable members adapted to be unfolded into extended relationship to permit removal of the bracelet over the hand.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device off the type indicated which is simple in construction yet capable of effecting a secure connection between the ends of the band or bracelet to guard against unwarranted or accidental unfastening.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the type indicated comprising a minimum number of parts adapted for economical manufacture from sheet-metal stock and convenient for assembling without the use of solder, screws or other extraneous parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the type indicated which is neat and ornamental in appearance with its mechanical elements entirely concealed from view; and one which is proof against derangement or getting out of order.

Further objects of the invention are set forth in the following specification which describes several preferred forms of construction of the device, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional type of wrist-watch having a bracelet attached thereto with its ends connected by means of the present improved clasping device;

Fig. 2 is an. enlarged plan view of the clasping device showing its parts in closed or clasped relationship;

Fig. 3 is a. similar part-sectional plan view showing the clasp opened to permit disconnection of one end of the bracelet or linkage to provide for placing it on `or removing it from the wrist;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp taken in a. medial plane and illustrating its parts in closed relationship;

Fig. 5 is a similar sectional view with the parts of the clasp shown in the same position as illustrated in Fig. 3 with the clutching means released to permit adjustment in the length of the bracelet;

Fig. 6 is a further enlarged transverse sectional View of the device taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 2 and illustrating the manner in which the slidable adjusting member is clutched against the sides of the base or main element to hold it in adjusted position with respect thereto;

Fig. '7 is a similar view taken on line 'l--l of Fig. 3 and showing the clutching means released from engagement with the base member to permit relative sliding movement of the adjusting elements;

Fig. 8 is a composite perspective view of the several parts of the clasp shown in disassembled relationship;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modied form of clasping device in which the slidable adjusting member is locked in its adjusted position by the engagement of a detent member with the overlying portions of the base member;

Fig. 10 is a composite perspective view of the adjusting elements illustrated in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 shows a further modified form of clasping device in which the slidable adjusting member is retained in place by the engagement of a detent member with serrations on the base member;

Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of an extendible type of fastening device shown in extended relationship to permit removal of the bracelet over the wrist and illustrating the present improved adjusting means as applied to use therewith;

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fastening device shown in Fig. 12 illustrating the extension members folded into closed relationship;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the device shown in Figs. 12 and 13, taken on line I4-I4 of Fig. 13; and

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the adjusting member shown in Figs. 12 to 14 inclusive.

The present improved device comprises, in one form of construction, a base member; an upper latch member or cover hinged to the base member at one end and adapted to releasably hold one end of the strap or bracelet; an adjusting member for connection with the opposite end of the bracelet, said member telescopically arranged within the base member and slidable with respect thereto to adjust the length of the bracelet; and clutching means for retaining the adjusting member in various positions of adjustment within the base member.

In another form, the improved device comprises a series of extension members hingedly connected at their ends to adapt them to be folded into closed relationship, or to be opened out into extended position; one end of the bracelet being connected to one of the foldable members and its opposite end attached to an adjusting member telescopically arranged Within one of the foldable members and adapted to be clutched thereto in different positions of adjustment thereon.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawing, 2 designates a conventional type of wrist-watch having bails 3 at its sides for connection with the ends of the opposite bracelet-sections 4 and 5 by means of connecters 6. The present improved clasping device is herein shown as applied to use with a bracelet composed of articulated links, but in other cases it may be employed with a reticulated fabric or leather strap or any other type of band. The term band is therefore herein employed in a generic sense to designate all forms of linkages, straps or bracelets.

In the first described embodiment of the invention the clasp comprises a base member I Il and atop or cover member I I hinged to one end of the base member and foldable thereupon to connect the end of the bracelet-section 5 therewith. The base member Ill, shown in detail in Fig. 8, may be struck up from sheet-metal to provide a platelike bottom portion I2 with sides I3 bent upwardly therefrom. The sides I3 are folded inwardly at the top to provide flanges I4 which overlie the bottom portion I2 in spaced parallel relation thereto. Preferably, the member I is curved longitudinally in arcuate shape to adapt it to conform to the wrist of the wearer. Its bottom I2 is extended at one end in a narrower neck-portion I5 having a central slot with the metal at each side thereof bent upwardly to form hinge-ears I6. The ears I6 are perforated to receive a hinge-pin II upon which the top or latching member I I is pivoted in the manner as later explained. The metal in the curved marginal portions of the neck I5 is rolled or curled over at I8 to reinforce the structure. The opposite end of the bottom I 2 of the base member I0 is extended in a tab I9 which is curled around to form a hook-like detent for coperation with suitable means on the latching member II to secure the latter in closed or clasped relationship.

The cover or latching member I I is constituted by a slightly arcuate sheet-metal strip of suitable width to adapt it to fit between the edges of the inturned flanges I4 of the base member I 0. As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, the cover II is transversely arched or convexed and its surface may be suitably engraved or adorned to present an ornamental appearance. The cover II is provided with lateral ears 22 bent downwardly at one end to adapt them to straddle the hinge-ears I6 on the base member I0, the ears being perforated with holes for receiving the hinge-pin II. The ends of the pin I'I may be riveted over against the ears 22 to hold it in place. The opposite end of the cover II is bent downwardly to form a curved detent-lip or latch 23 adapted to snap over the detent I9 on the base member I5 when the parts are folded into closed relationship. To facilitate the manual operation of opening the clasp, a lip or projection 24 is formed on the member II to permit the insertion of the fingernail thereunder. The lip 24 is sheared from the metal forming the latch 23, being bent substantially outwardly therefrom as shown in Fig. 8.

As thus far described the construction and arrangement of the device is similar to others previously used in the art wherein the main clasp member is constructed to receive the end links of the bracelet-sections which are hooked thereto and held in place by clasping the cover or latch member thereagainst. In devices of this type one end of the bracelet is disconnected from the clasp to permit its application to and removal from the wrist, but no means are provided in the clasp for adjusting the length of the bracelet to fit the wrist. Therefore, to adapt the bracelet to fit wrists Varying in size it is necessary to remove links from or to add others to the bracelet-sections 4 and 5. In accordance with the prevailing mode, wrist-watch bracelets are composed of relatively long links and to remove one link from or to add another to the bracelet results in too great an alteration in its length so that it is sometimes impossible to obtain the proper nt.

To obviate the difculties above noted the present invention contemplates means for minutely adjusting the length of the bracelet to provide a permanent t for the wrist. In the present embodiment of the invention a. slidable extension member 25 is provided for connection with the end of the bracelet-section 4 and, preferably, the member 25 is telescopically received within the base member I 0 of the clasping device.

'Ihe slidable extension member 25 is struck up in bifurcated form from relatively thick sheetmetal stock to provide opposite legs or side strips 26 joined at one end by a crossbar 2l. At their opposite ends the legs 25 are formed with lateral projections 28 and spaced inwardly at a slight distance therefrom are similar projections 29. Between the projections 28 and 29 the inner sides of the legs 26 are slotted to form notches 30 forming seats for a clutch-operating lever 33 to be later described. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 3 that the legs 26 of the member 25 converge slightly toward their unconnected ends to provide for a free sliding fit of the member between the sides of the base member I0. The legs 26 of the member 25 are adapted to be spread apart by means of the clutch-lever 33 which operates in the manner as later explained to clutch or clamp the extension member 25 firmly to the sides of the base member I0 whereby to retain it in its position of adjustment thereon.

'I'he clutch-operating lever 33 is constructed from fiat stock formed to the shape illustrated in Fig. 8. As shown in this view the lever 33 is constituted as an arm 34 having trunnions 35 at one end projecting from its sides and shaped to adapt them to be received in the recesses or notches 30 in the legs 26 of the extension member 25 to pivotally mount the lever thereon. The opposite end of the lever 33 is formed with a rounded head 36 which is notched at 31 for a purpose as later explained.

To assemble the above described parts of the device the lever 33 is rst placed in upright position between the legs 26 of the extension member 25 with its trunnions 35 entered in the recesses 30. The member 25 is then assembled with the base member l0 by sliding its legs 26 into the guideways between the flanges i4 and the bottom wall i2 of the member l0; it being understood that the detent-tab I9 is left coextensive with the bottom Wall I2 of the member l0 until the parts are assembled and then bent upwardly to serve as a stop to prevent the complete withdrawal of the member 25 from the bottom member l0. The end of thel bracelet-section 4 is attached to the end bar 21 of the member 25 by means of a loop-like link 38 and with the two sections 4 and 5 attached to the watch bails 3 the bracelet is ready for application to the wrist.

In applying the bracelet to the wrist the opposite sections 4 and 5 are looped therearound and with the cover or latch member Il of the clasp opened as illustrated in Fig. 5 the end link of the section 5 is slipped thereover and carried down against the neck l5 of the base member l0. The extension member 25 is then adjusted longitudinally of the base member I0 to regulate the length of the bracelet in accordance with requirements. For this purpose the bracelet may remain looped around the wrist with the cover or latching member H raised while the extension member 25 is slid in the base member I0 of the clasp. When the desired adjustment has been accomplished the clutch-lever 33 is rocked downwardly into the position shown in Fig. 4 to bring the narrowed portion of its arm 34 into place between the projections 29 on the legs 26 of the member 25. It will be noted that the edges of the projections 29 are rounded and as the lever 33 is forced downwardly therebetween it acts with a camming effect to pry the legs 26 apart to clamp them against the side walls I3 of the base member l0. In this way the member 25 is clutched firmly to the base member l0 to maintain it in its adjusted position and the cover Il is then closed down against the base member and latched therewith by the engagement of its bent end-portion 23 with the detent-tab or ear I9. The adjustment is usually made by the jeweler or salesman who fits the bracelet to the wrist of the purchaser in the first instance, but in other cases the clasp may be adjusted by the wearer should the bracelet or linkage become stretched or change its length from other cause.

To alter the adjustment it is only necessary to raise the cover or latching member H and then lift the lever 33 to release the legs 26 of the extension member 25 from clutching engagement with the sides of the member I0. The clutch-lever 33 may be readily swung upwardly by inserting the point of a sharp instrument into the notch 31 at its end. After the adjustment has been regulated by sliding the member 25 longitudinally of the base member l0 the extension member is again clutched to the base member by pressing the lever 33 down into position to spread the legs 2E apart.

In Figs. 9 and 10 there is illustrated a modified form of construction of the adjusting element or extension member 25 and its clutch-lever 33. In this embodiment of the invention the clutchlever 33 is formed at one end with ellipticallyshaped trunnions 40 which are adapted to cam between the top flanges I4 and the bottom wall l2 of the base member i0 when the lever is folded down into the position shown in Fig. 9 whereby to clutch the extension member 25 to the member l0. With a clutch-lever of this last-described form the extension member 25 may be constructed with an end bar 4l instead of the projections 28, since it is not required to spread its sides apart to grip the interior of the base member.

In the further modified form of construction illustrated in Fig. 1l the clutch-lever 33 is shown as provided with trunnions 42 having sharp projections or teeth 43 on their sides adapted to engage with serrations 44 formed in the bottom wall l2 of the base member Hl to secure the extension member in its adjusted position. When the element 33 is swung upwardly the projections 43 on the trunnions 42 are released from the serrations 44 to permit longitudinal sliding movemen-t of the member 25.

Figs. 12 to 15 illustrate the improved adjusting means as applied to use with a clasp of the extendible type. The clasp herein illustrated is similar in construction to that disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 1,700,489, issued to John Dalo on January 29, 1929, and is, therefore, not described in detail. It comprises a trough-like base member 45, to the looped end 46 of which is connected the end of the bracelet-section 5. At the opposite end of the base member 45 are ears 48, between which is pivoted the end of a foldable member 50. 'Ihe member 50 is of channel shape having side flanges 52 bent inwardly at the top to provide guideways for receiving a sliding member 55. The slidable member 55 ls formed with oiset or depressed runners 56 at its sides which slide in the guideways of the member 50. One end of the slidable member 55 is formed with a loop 58 for receiving a hinge-pin 53 extending between bearing loops 60 at the end of a cover member 65.

The covermember is constituted by a bowed top portion 6I formed with depending side flanges 62 which are bent inwardly vat the bottom to provide guideways for receiving a slidable adjusting member l0, to be later described. The top portion 6I of the cover 65 is embossed along its length to provide an inner longitudinally extending recess 66 for the reception of a clutch-lever 80 which is carried by the adjusting member l0. The cover 65 is provided at its free end with a projecting ear 51 which serves as a nger-grip to facilitate opening the clasp. At lts opposite end the cover has a projection 68 which is bent downwardly to form a stop to limit the outward sliding movement of the adjusting member l0 which is telescopically mounted therein.

In closing the device the slidable member 55 is first slid into the member 50 and these two members together folded between the sides of the base member 45 with the cover 65vfolded down thereagainst. With the members folded together in this manner the sides of the base member 45 t closely between the inturned side anges 62 of the cover member 65. As a means for retaining the parts in clasped relationship outwardly projecting protuberances 53 are provided on the sides of the base member 45 for engagement with the inturned edges of the side flanges 62.

The adjusting member l0, shown in detail in Fig. l5, is constructed with parallel legs H naving inturned flanges I2 and 13 which slide within the channeled sides 62 oi the cover member 65. The legs 1| are joined at one end by a cross-strip 74 and projecting therefrom is' an ear I5 curled around in a loop, see Figs. 12 and 13, for receiving the end of the bracelet-section 4.

At the open end of the member 1G the inwardly directed flanges 'i2 of the legs Il are provided with downwardly projecting lugs I6 which are slotted at il for pivotally receiving the trunnions 8| of a clutch-lever 8G. The lever 80 is similar in form to the lever 33 previously described to adapt its trunnions 8! to be held in the slots 11 at the ends of the legs 'H of the member 10. When the adjusting element lO is assembled in place in the cover member 65 the bottom of the lugs 18 are received in the recess 66 thereof, see Fig. l-i. The clutch-lever is adapted to be rocked on its trunnions 8l to cam it against the lugs 16 to force the legs il of the adjusting member 'l0 outwardly and clutch them firmly to the sides of the cover member S5 whereby the memvber 10 is locked in its position of adjustment.

To adjust the length of the bracelet to provide a snug nt on the wrist the clasping device is rst opened by inserting the fingernail under the ear 61 and prying the cover member 65 upwardly to free the edges of the inturned side flanges 62 from the detent-protuberances 63 on the base member 45. The parts of the clasp are then unfolded and extended in the manner as illustrated in Fig. l2.

To adjust the length of the bracelet the clasping device is turned bottom side up as shown in Fig. l2 and the adjusting member IG declutched from the sides of the cover memr 65 by lifting the lever Si; to carry its sides away from the lugs thereby permitting the legs 1l of the member l0 to spring inwardly. The member il) may then be slid longitudinally within the cover member 65 to adjust it to the required position after which the lever 80 is again rocked downwardly to expand the sides of the member l0 against the sides of the top member 85.

It will be observed from the foregoing that the present invention provides a particularly simple and neat device for clasping the ends of wristwatch straps, band or bracelets. As one feature of the invention, means are provided for minutely and accurately adjusting the length of the bracelet to effect a snug fit thereof about the wrist. The present improved clutching means acts to positively clutch the adjusting member in place in the clasp while permitting it to be conveniently released for readjustment thereof. The adjusting device is adapted foi` use with practically all types of clasps as now employed for fastening the ends of bracelets and the like.

The parts of the device may be constructed from sheet-metal struck up in suitable dies and assembled with a minimum of hand operations. No unsightly seams, joints` .shoulders or projecting mechanical elements are visible to mar the smooth and finished appearance of the device and detract from the ariistic effect of the bracelet to which it is applied,

While I have herein illustrated and described the device as embodied in several preferred forms of construction, it is to be understood that other modifications may be made in the structure and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

l. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a channel-shaped clasp-member providing opposite parallel faces with a space therebetween, an adjusting member slidable in the space between the opposite faces of the claspmember and having opposite faces for frictional engagement therewith, and means for expanding the adjusting member to frictionally grip the spaced faces on the clasp-member whereby the adjusting member may be locked in any position throughout the length of the clasp-member,

2. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp-member having spaced parallel faces forming a channel therebetween, an adjusting member in the channel of the clasp-member and having opposite plane faces in sliding contact with the spaced parallel faces of the clasp-member, and means for expanding the adjusting member to frictionally engage its plane faces with the spaced parallel faces of the claspmember whereby the adjusting member may be locked in any position throughout the length of the clasp-member.

3. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of the clasp-member having spaced parallel faces forming a channel therebetween, a bifurcated adjusting member slidable in the channel in the clasp-member, said bifurcated adjusting member having opposite plane faces in sliding contact with the spaced parallel faces of the clasp-member, and means for expanding the legs of the bifurcated member to cause them to frictionally grip the spaced parallel faces of the clasp-member to secure said members in adjusted relationship.

4. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having imperforate faces and adapted for attachment to the end of a strap, band or bracelet, a bifurcated adjusting member slidable on the clasp member and adapted for attachment to the opposite end of the bracelet, and means for expanding the legs of the bifurcated member to cause them to frictionally grip the imperforate faces on the clasp member to secure said members in adjusted relationship.

5. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having imperforate guideways at its sides, said member being adapted for attachment to the end of a bracelet, a bifurcated adjusting member having opposite legs with outer plane faces engaging the guideways of the first member for sliding movement therein, said bifurcated member being adapted for attachment to the opposite end of the bracelet, and means operable to expand the legs of the bifurcated member into frictional engagement with the imperforate guideways of the rst member to clutch said members in adjusted relationship.

G. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having imperforate side walls with inwardly faced flanges at the top, an adjusting member of bifurcated form arranged with its legs slidable beneath the flanges on the side walls of the first member, said members being attachable to the opposite ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and means carried on the slidable member and operable to expand its legs to bind them frictionally against the imperforate side walls of the rst member to clutch the two members in adjusted relationsh '7, In a device of the type indicated, the cornbination of a clasp member formed with longitudinally extending imperorate guideways at its sides, an adjusting member slidable in the guideways of the first member, said members being attachable to the ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and a lever rockable on the slidable member to frictionally engage it with the opposite portions of the imperorate guideways on the first member to clutch said members in adjusted relationship.

8. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having imperforate guideways at its sides, and adjusting member having flat sides to adapt it to slide longitudinally in the guideways on the iirst member, said members adapted for attachment to the ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and a lever having means for camming portions of the second member against the imperforate guideways on the first member to clutch said members in adjusted relationship.

9. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a base member having imperforate guideways at its sides, a latch member hinged to one end of the base member to adapt it to close down thereagainst, an adjusting member having plane outer faces to adapt it to slide longitudinally in the guideways on the rst member, said latch member and adjusting member being adapted for attachment to the ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and clamping means carried by and positioned Wholly within the adjusting member, said clamping means adapted to actuate the adjusting member to frictionally engage it with the imperforate guideways of the base member to clutch said members in adjusted relationship.

10. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having imperforate guideways extending longitudinally of its sides, a bifurcated adjusting member slidable in the guideways of the first member and formed with an opening therein, said members adapted for attachment to the ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and a lever rockable on the slidable member into position to cam its legs against the imperforate sides of the first member to frictionally hold said members in adjusted relationship, said lever carried by the bifurcated adjusting member and adapted to lie wholly within the opening formed therein.

11. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having imperforate guideways extending longitudinally of its sides, a bifurcated adjusting member slidable in the guideways of the rst member and formed with cam-like projections on its opposite legs and pivotal bearings on the inner sides of said legs, said members being attachable to the ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and a lever pivotally mounted in the bearings on the adjusting member and having a portion adapted to enter between the projections on the legs thereof to expand the latter into frictional engagement with the imperforate guideways of the first member.

12. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a sheet-metal base member formed with a bottom, imperforate upstanding sides and anges projecting inwardly from its sides, an adjusting member of bifurcated form arranged with its legs slidable beneath the flanges on the base member, and a lever pivoted to said bifurcated member and shaped to adapt it to be rocked into position between the legs thereof to expand the latter into rictional engagement with the imperforate sides of the base member.

13. In a device of the type indicated, the combination of a clasp member having longitudinally extending imperforate guideways, a bifurcated adjusting member slidable in the guide- Ways of the iirst member and formed with inwardly extending projections at the free ends of its legs, and other inwardly extending projections on the legs spaced from the rst-mentioned projections and forming recesses therebetween with cam-faces on the last-mentioned projections, said members being adapted for attachment to the ends of a strap, band or bracelet, and a lever having trunnions positioned in the recesses between the inwardly extending projections on the slidable member to adapt it to be rocked into position between the cam-faces to expand the legs thereof into frictional engagement with the imperorate guideways of the first member to secure said members in adjusted relationship.

SYLVES'IER A. JOHNSON. 

